anxious to know

USAGE SUMMARY

"anxious to know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is eager for information. Example: She was anxious to know the results of the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everyone's anxious to know".

The New York Times - Sports

He is young and very anxious to know her.

The New Yorker

And then she was anxious to know the next step.

The Washington Post

The students were anxious to know who got it right.

The New York Times

That is what voters are anxious to know.

The Guardian

'Why are you so anxious to know about things?' she asks.

The New York Times - Books

"Things are winding down, and I'm anxious to know," Thames said.

The New York Times - Sports

I am very anxious to know, if one of the Cerei is C. grandiflorus.

University of California, Berkeley

"People in India are anxious to know about you all," Khankhoje said.

The New York Times

They were anxious to know how this pan-European campaign came over in English.

Independent

Books suggesting someone anxious to know, to possess great scattered lumps of knowledge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context; "anxious to know" is generally acceptable in most situations but might be replaced with a more formal alternative like "desirous of knowing" in academic or professional writing.

Common error

While "anxious to know" is acceptable, avoid overusing "anxious" in highly formal or professional writing. Instead, consider using synonyms like "eager", "keen", or a more descriptive phrase that better suits the context, such as "interested in learning more about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious to know" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, describing their state of eagerness combined with some level of concern or worry regarding obtaining specific information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anxious to know" is a versatile phrase that describes a state of eagerness mingled with worry about obtaining information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly correct. Predominantly found in news and media, with considerable presence in academic contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for many situations. While synonyms like "eager to know" and "keen to know" offer alternatives based on the desired emotional emphasis, it's essential to avoid overuse of "anxious" in very formal scenarios. Remember that this phrase is used when someone is both eager and slightly worried about receiving certain information. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase's wide applicability and subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to know

This alternative focuses on enthusiasm and eagerness, making it slightly more positive than "anxious to know".

keen to know

This option emphasizes a strong interest or enthusiasm in knowing something.

desirous of knowing

This is a more formal way of saying someone wants to know, placing emphasis on the wish or desire.

concerned to know

This emphasizes worry or interest. The focus shifts to the concern that motivates the desire for information.

awaiting knowledge of

This phrase describes the act of waiting for information, giving a sense of anticipation.

curious to learn

This alternative stresses the inquisitiveness and intention to learn something new.

interested in knowing

This is a more general expression of interest, lacking the urgency of "anxious to know".

wanting to find out

This is a simpler, more direct way of expressing the desire for information.

longing to discover

This option conveys a sense of yearning or deep desire to uncover something.

inquisitive about

This highlights curiosity and a questioning nature, shifting the focus to the person's character.

FAQs

How can I use "anxious to know" in a sentence?

You can use "anxious to know" to express a strong desire or eagerness to find out something, for example, "She was "anxious to know" the exam results".

What are some alternatives to "anxious to know"?

Alternatives include "eager to know", "keen to know", or "curious to learn". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "anxious to know" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "anxious to know" can sometimes sound too informal for highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "desirous of knowing" or rephrasing for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "anxious to know" and "excited to know"?

"Anxious to know" implies a mix of eagerness and worry, while "excited to know" suggests pure enthusiasm and anticipation. The choice depends on the emotional context you want to convey.